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même

/mɛm/
1.
adjective (determiner)

same

identical

On a les mêmes chaussures.

We have the same shoes.

Synonyms:identique, pareil, semblable
2.
adverb

even

indeed (for emphasis)

Il ne m'a même pas répondu.

He didn't even answer me.

Synonyms:voire, encore
3.
pronoun (intensive)

himself/herself/itself (used for emphasis)

oneself (intensive/reflexive emphasis)

Il l'a fait lui-même.

He did it himself.

Synonyms:soi-même, moi-même, toi-même, lui-même, elle-même, nous-mêmes, vous-mêmes, eux-mêmes, elles-mêmes

Notes

GENERAL INFO

Même can be an adjective meaning "same," an adverb meaning "even," or part of a reflexive pronoun meaning "-self." It's highly versatile.

USAGE

As an adjective (agrees in gender/number): *la même chose* (the same thing), *les mêmes personnes* (the same people). As an adverb (invariable): *même moi* (even me). After a pronoun: *moi-même* (myself).

TRAPS

As an adjective, même agrees (*les mêmes*). As an adverb, it's invariable (*même*). Its position changes meaning: *la même voiture* (the same car) vs. *la voiture même* (the very car itself).